Effect of foliar spray of micronutrients on yield and oil content of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the winter season (robi) of 1989-90 and 1990-91 to study the effect of Zn, B and Mo on the yield and quality of Indian mustard [Bmssica juncea (L.) Czemj. & Cosson] in acid lateritic soil of Kharagpur. Application of Zn and B along with recommended NPK increased the seed yield respectively by 26 and 18% in the first year and by 49 and 47% in the second year over NPK alone. The increase in seed yield was associated with the increase in siliquael plant, seedslsiliqua and 1,000-seed weight. Significant increase in the oil content was also noted by the application of both Zn and B. - 7 i Acid lateritic soils are deficient in Kharagpur, West Bengal, The soil was nutritional status and low in humus. The lateritic, sandy loam with 0.24% organic available micronutrients particularly Zn, B carbon, 0.025% total N, 4.1 ppm available and Mo are relatively low. Consequently P, 8.7 ppm available K, 28 ppm total Zn, application of the nutrient elements through 0.36 ppm totla B, 0.91 ppm Mo and pH 5.4. foliar spray at appropriate stages of growth The experiment was carried out in becomes important for their efficient randomized block design with 10 and 9 utilization and better performance of the treatments respectively in first and second crop. Hence an effort was made to find out years, replicated 3 times (Tables 1, 2). All - - the effect of Zn, B and Mo on growth, yield the treatments except the control received , and oil content of Indian mustard [Brassica the recommended dose of 80 40 : 20 kg N : : i juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson] . P : Wha through urea, superphosphate and muriate of potash respectively. Zinc as zinc